US State Department just won't leave Sri Lanka alone

Every week, at least once or twice, there is a very partisan question raised at the daily media briefing in Washington's State department, and very partisan reply is given either by the spokesperson Victoria Nuland or her deputy Patrick Ventrell.

There is no one among the accredited media personnel at this media briefing to ask some penetrating questions from the spokespersons about America's different approaches to the human rights, rule of law and good governance issues toward different countries.

In the interest of America's national security concerns the U.S. turns a blind eye on rights violations of many countries such as Indonesia as one of the U.S. Congressman very recently told assistant secretary Robert Blake at a hearing at Capitol Hill.

What the Asian Tribune cannot understand is as to why Sri Lanka's Ministry of External Affairs could not get one of her own journalist accredited to the State Department media cadre to properly exercise its overseas public diplomacy and strategic communication endeavor; one who could ask some interesting questions regarding the U.S. approach to human rights and rule of law in some countries it consider useful for her national security.

This lacuna is greatly felt when some Indian journalist or two raise issues that are entertained by the State Department officials to slam Sri Lanka on issues they dare not allow to raise on some nations that are vital to America's national security.

We carry here another exchange about Sri Lanka that took place on Thursday, 28 February at the media briefing.

Question: Just a quick one on human rights. The UN Human Rights Report and also Human Rights Watch, they are accusing Sri Lanka as far as not taking steps against the minorities or for their welfare. Does U.S. agree with that? Because Sri Lanka denies all these reports and all.

Mr.Patrick Ventrell: So we’re reviewing this lengthy and extensive report. I understand we just got it a day or so ago. But we do note our strong concern about human rights violations and violations of international humanitarian law in Sri Lanka. And to date, the Government of Sri Lanka has not initiated a full, credible, or independent investigation into longstanding allegations of human rights abuses in Sri Lanka, including sexual assault. So we’re reviewing this particular report, but you know where we’ve been in terms of human rights in Sri Lanka and our really deep concerns.